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Boston Celtics: 3 key matchups that will decide the 2022 NBA Finals

ByAustin DeCouta|
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors attempts to rebound the ball against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 17, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors attempts to rebound the ball against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 17, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
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For the first time since 2010, the Boston Celtics have reached the association’s biggest stage. From a disappointing start to the season, to one of the most dramatic turnarounds, the C’s have earned the right to play for the championship.

Their reward for battling through Brooklyn, Milwaukee, and Miami is the powerhouse Golden State Warriors. Steph Curry’s squad finished as one of the best in the west, capturing the No. 3 seed.

The Dubs unceremoniously extinguished the Nuggets in five games to start off their postseason run. A Ja Morant injury halted any momentum the Grizzlies had, as the Warriors took care of business in six games.

The Western Conference Finals proved to be no difficult task, as the Mavericks mustered just one win.

The Boston and Golden State matchup should be one of the best we’ve seen in quite some time. Two homegrown teams centered around their own draft picks. Steph, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are all Warrior selections. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart were all Celtic first-round picks.

This series should provide one of the best team battles as both squads pride themselves on defense and selfless basketball. Each team can reach deep into their rotation and ask the seventh man to score in double figures.

What may make the biggest difference in this showdown, is the one-on-one matchups. These three battles could play a major factor towards deciding which team comes away with an NBA championship.

Let’s take a look at 3 key matchups that could decide the 2022 NBA Finals:

Boston Celtics 2022 NBA Finals key matchup No.1: Marcus Smart vs. Steph Curry

The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors have faced off plenty of times throughout the career of Marcus Smart. This time around is a much different spectacle.

Smart is the primary point guard and does not have a defensive liability next to him in the backcourt. In previous contests, Smart has not been able to spend as much time guarding Curry one on one as he would have liked. With Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker only being able to guard the point guard spot, Smart was forced to play more minutes on Klay or other Warrior wings.

The 2014 first-round pick enters the Finals as the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, as the switch to a full-time PG has brought additional recognition and success.

His opponent, Stephen Curry is coming off of the heels of another sensation season in which he averaged, 25.5/6.3/5.2 while shooting 38% from downtown. The all-time leading 3-point score is a matchup nightmare for any team.

This will be no easy task slowing down the two-time MVP and scoring star. However, there was an encouraging stat floated into the Twitter world by StatMuse.

While it may be a small sample size and Smart is yet to cover Steph for much of a full game, it is a positive sign for Celtic fans. It will certainly be a must-watch matchup, if not THE must-watch matchup of the 2022 NBA Finals.

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